ANC spokesperson in North West, Tumelo Maruping, said that following a consultative engagement with the ANC Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, the organisation decided to recall Maimane as mayor.
“This follows a very controversial audio leak of a meeting, where Maimane participated in a meeting with members of the opposition in an attempt to oust the ANC from power in Madibeng Local Municipality,” he said.
“Over and above that, the ANC has also taken a decision to remove Peter Padi as the Chief Whip of Madibeng Local Municipality. The replacement of these two comrades will be communicated within 48 hours,” he said.
The Save South Africa party said on Tuesday that it welcomed the decision.
“This development comes after years of growing frustration from civil society organisations and the community who have repeatedly called for decisive action regarding the state of governance in Madibeng,” said Sydney Monnakgotla of Save South Africa.
“However, the removal of one individual must not be the end of the matter. We call for a full and transparent investigation into all allegations, and for all those implicated in wrongdoing to be held accountable.”
Maimane’s removal comes only days before the Freedom Front Plus party in Madibeng was to present a motion of no confidence in Maimane to the municipal council.
“The Freedom Front Plus in Madibeng is extremely happy with this development, and we are looking forward to finish this term in service of the community,” said FF Plus councillor, Elsa Lourens.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) echoed this.
“It is a welcome step ahead to eradicate corruption that hinders service delivery. In respect of the removal of the Chief Whip, the DA was in the process of drawing up a motion of no confidence in Peter Padi,” said Erna Rossouw, deputy chairman of the DA in North West.
